Welcome back to the CMRE blog, your go-to source for demystifying the ever-evolving world of custom mortgage and real estate! Today, we're diving into the latest market data, and the picture that emerges is one of surprising resilience, marked by some relief on the rate front and persistent strength in home values.
Existing Homes: Steady as She Goes, Prices Climb On
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) recently reported that existing-home sales in July 2026 eased only slightly, maintaining stability despite the elevated mortgage rate environment. Sales declined a modest 1.7% from June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.06 million, yet impressively remained 0.7% higher than July 2025. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun highlighted this stability, suggesting that a return to average mortgage rates closer to 6% could unlock even stronger market activity.
However, the story isn't without its challenges. Housing inventory continued its downward trend, falling to 1.54 million units. This represents a 1.9% drop from June and 0.6% from a year earlier, contributing to a tight 4.6-month supply. This scarcity of homes continues to put upward pressure on prices. The median existing-home price surged to $434,100 in July 2026, marking the 37th consecutive month of year-over-year increases and a 2.0% rise from July 2025.
Interestingly, affordability did improve year-over-year, with the Housing Affordability Index rising to 103.3 from 98.3 in July 2025. While this offers some support for demand, the shrinking inventory remains a key constraint for buyers.
Mortgage Applications: A Welcome Rebound
After a period of declines, mortgage application activity saw a welcome bounce. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported a 3.6% increase in total application volume for the week ending August 7, 2026, on a seasonally adjusted basis. This rebound followed a moderate decline in mortgage rates, offering some much-needed relief to both prospective homebuyers and homeowners considering a refinance.
Purchase applications rose 3% from the previous week, though they remained 1% below year-ago levels, indicating that elevated borrowing costs are still impacting overall buyer demand. Refinance activity also improved, with the Refinance Index increasing 5% week-over-week, despite still being 22% below year-ago levels. Joel Kan, MBA’s Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist, noted that this "reprieve in rates supported an increase in both purchase and refinance applications."
Just prior to this rebound, the week ending July 31, 2026, had seen a 2.9% decrease in total application volume, with purchase applications down 4% and refinance activity softening by 2%, as rates had pushed higher.
Understanding the Rate Movements
The recent uptick in applications was directly tied to a dip in mortgage rates. For the week ending August 7, 2026, the average contract rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage decreased to 6.77% from 6.81% the prior week. Similarly, the 15-year fixed rate fell to 6.10% from 6.13%, and the 5/1 ARM rate dipped to 5.99% from 6.03%. This slight reversal came after rates had climbed, with the 30-year fixed rate hitting 6.81% for the week ending July 31, its highest in over a year.
Here’s a snapshot of how key mortgage rates have moved over the past few weeks:
What This Means for You
The market continues to navigate a complex environment. While rates remain elevated compared to historical lows, even minor downward shifts can spur activity, as seen in the recent application bounce. Home prices, driven by persistent demand and tight inventory, show no signs of slowing their ascent. For buyers, this means continued competition and the need to be prepared. For sellers, it reinforces a strong market, particularly for well-priced homes.
At CMRE, we're dedicated to helping you understand these dynamics and craft a strategy that aligns with your real estate and mortgage goals. Whether you're buying, selling, or considering a refinance, staying informed is your best asset.